Philosophy
Hello! My name is Nick Brazzel and I am a lifelong musician living in Westminster, Colorado.
My main instruments are guitar, bass and drums and I am well-versed in recording software such as Reaper and Ableton.
I specialize in teaching students who want connect what they know about their instrument to a larger body of music
My teaching philosophy can be broken into these core tenets
Music is fun to play
Everyone can learn to play music
Music is complex, but every element can be broken down into simpler parts
Fun should be at the center of the musical experience. For that reason, I emphasize learning songs that the student is already interested in. Scales and general theory knowledge are important, but not as important as applying knowledge to songs students want to know.
Music is a human art that knows no restriction by age or culture. Anyone who has the interest, time and motivation can learn to play music, but it does take time. Lessons are great for learning what and how to practice, but their effectiveness is dependent on the student actually practicing.
With both teaching music and high school science, my approach has always been to meet students where they are today. I always start with what the students already know and can already do. I believe this removes some of the frustration that comes with attempting large goals by starting with the big picture.
Let's make some art together!
More about me:
I started playing guitar when I was a child and haven’t looked back. Initially my musical interests were limited to rock and metal but as I grew older and incorporated more instruments into my practice routine, my palette expanded. I now have experience playing and composing in a variety of genres, not limited to jazz, funk, ambient, metal, punk, and dance music. My influences include Miles Davis, Intronaut, Kendrick Lamar, The Mars Volta and Erykah Badu.
Improvisation is the main lens that I understand and process music through. The freedom that comes from composing on the spot is a great joy to me, and I want to share this joy with my students. Music is a form of communication and by practicing improvisation, you are practicing communication with other musicians.
Outside of music, I like to spend my time hiking, rock climbing, reading, and playing board games. I spent the last five years working in education and am excited to bring what I have learned into my music studio.